Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has attributed the country’s persistent poverty to the choices made by its leaders and citizens. He posited that the real problem lies in leadership and a system that celebrates corruption instead of confronting it.
The former Anambra State governor stated this in Abuja while receiving members of the Association of Skilled and Vocational Artisans of Nigeria (ASVAN), led by its National President, Comrade Obijuru Everest.
Peter Obi
Obi, who refuted the popular position that the country’s poverty level is a result of a lack of resources, said a country richly endowed with oil, gas, and a large youthful population should not be battling the level of hardship currently seen across the nation.
“We are poor because we have chosen to be poor. We give titles and front-row seats of honour to those who steal public funds, and yet we expect to grow,” Obi said.
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He compared Nigeria’s situation with that of Indonesia, noting that the Asian country, which has similarities in size and population, has made stronger economic progress due to more focused leadership and clearer national priorities.
Obi explained that during a previous interaction with an Indonesian leader, he was advised that the key to national progress is tackling corruption, investing heavily in education and healthcare, and allowing citizens to become productive contributors to the economy.
He stressed that countries that achieve sustainable development place priority on people and small businesses, adding that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) perform better when governments create stable and transparent systems
“Join the fight for a great Nigeria. Stop worshipping those who steal your money, stop giving them titles, and stand up for what is right. Vote, defend your votes, and help produce good leaders at all levels, from councillor to president, and you will see the country change,” he said.
Earlier, Everest stated that ASVAN had been following Obi’s political journey and believed it was important to support his aspirations for national development.
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